Focus SB Home Automated Lighting System
Focus SB has just introduced the HAL Home Automated Lighting system to its extensive product portfolio, to provide a very simple digital lighting control solution for scene setting, dimming and switching applications. With the ever increasing costs of energy, HAL can actually reduce the running costs and prolong lamp life, even interfacing with motion and daylight detectors to further reduce operational costs.
Its simple design and self commissioning capabilities make it very easy for the contractor to install and for the user to operate, as no software knowledge is required to programme or alter set scenes. Being simple to wire and with a wide choice of attractive decorative plates, which can be matched with other Focus SB accessories, it offers a very cost effective alternative to other more established systems.
HAL’s modular concept makes it capable of addressing a client’s more sophisticated requirements as it can be built-up from a very simple switching and dimming operation to offer more complex solutions such as providing global control of all the lighting circuits, or linking the system with other intelligent devices such as CCTV or fire safety systems.
The control plates are connected to the dimmer system using low voltage CAT5 style cable and data communication. This is supported by the HAL protocol which is a proven and robust interface with an integral self monitoring facility. As the control panel and control plates are wired utilising a Cat 5 data loop, the HAL system is able to control or dim lighting from an almost unlimited number of control points. An infrared handset is also available for remote control and programming operations.
The HAL system can also be used to turn non dimmable lighting on or off as part of a scene, whilst an optional relay card can be used to control devices such as blinds, curtains, shutters and roof-lights. There is also a standard panic button facility that can bring all lighting circuits up to maximum. Where required, the system can be interfaced with intruder and fire alarm systems thereby providing an enhanced level of safety and security. A ‘holiday mode’ option will mimic the buildings previous lighting pattern whenever the building is unoccupied to make it appear as though someone is at home.
Controller plates, which can be selected in the majority of styles and finishes from Focus SB’s extensive plate range, feature a simple push button operation. To turn the system on all the user has to do is depress a selected scene button to recall the previous setting. This button automatically illuminates to clearly identify the scene which is being operated.
For setting and storing scenes the 8 button master controller is utilised. By pressing and holding the selected channel buttons in turn the level of lighting can be raised or lowered to suit the user’s requirements. To store the selected scene, simply depress the chosen scene button for a few seconds, the button flashes momentarily and reverts back to the original level, before latching onto and memorising the new setting. If preferred the system can also be programmed using the infrared handset. Other control options include push-to-make rockers and rotary controls which, in some applications such as period properties, may be deemed to be more appropriate than contemporary styled plates.
Standard options include the HAL4-600 and the HAL2-1200. The HAL 4 is a triac controlled leading edge dimmer which has been designed to drive incandescent lamp loads up to 600 watts per channel, whilst the HAL2 – 1200 will drive heavier loads up to 1200watts per channel. There is also the HAL LED/HF 2 channel 0-10v Fluorescent dimmer version which is suitable for both High Frequency 0-10v Fluorescent Ballasts and LEDs with suitable 1-10v Dimmable Drivers. A Single Channel version is also available as an additional option.
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